Put children first: Support New Philadelphia schools levy in May

In her 1985 song “The Greatest Love of All,” Whitney Houston sings, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.” Those words get to the heart of the issue on the ballot in May for New Philadelphia City Schools.

It absolutely takes a village to raise children. I am a Quaker alum, mother of a 2024 graduate, and have been teaching at NPHS since 2015. I have always been proud to be a part of this community. Growing up I felt the support of the adults around me. I felt that same support raising my own daughter here. We need to continue to offer that support to the current and future children of our community.

Yes, the price tag is expensive. I fully understand that, but I also know that we must prioritize the needs of our youth. Investing in education is the best investment we can make, not only for children and their families, but for the entire community. We need to remember that our social structure requires us to care for and support each other - that is what living in community means. We have a responsibility, not only to our own children, but to every child in our district to provide them with a strong foundation.

I have devoted my entire adult life to working with children. Any time I make a decision, whether at home or at school, I have one guiding question: Is this what’s best for kids? When we use that as our guiding principle in this situation, the answer becomes clear. We must invest in our schools, we must provide safe facilities and a strong foundation for our kids. It is time for us to put our children first. It is time for us to do what is best for kids and not what’s convenient for adults. Vote yes for New Philadelphia City Schools in May. Our community’s future depends on it.

Laurel Lewis

Stone Creek